Ben Wilmot says Stoke City must show far more resilience at Ipswich Town on Wednesday after being brushed aside in a heavy defeat at Sheffield United.
Stoke were punished 4–0 at Bramall Lane, three goals down by half-time, and Wilmot admitted the Blades overpowered Mark Robins’ side throughout the afternoon, especially from dead-ball situations.
The challenge now is a tough midweek trip to Portman Road, where Ipswich are in high spirits following a commanding 3–0 win over Championship leaders Coventry City.
Reflecting on the loss – Stoke’s fourth in their last five outings – Wilmot told BBC Stoke: “It’s just disappointment. We actually started reasonably well, and then one set piece knocked us back. After that, we let them bully us for the rest of the match.
“We didn’t deal with their strength from set plays, and that’s really frustrating because it’s such a basic part of the game. We’ve got to be better.”
He rejected suggestions the side lacked intensity: “No, I don’t think it was an energy problem. We just weren’t good enough with the ball, and defensively we didn’t stand up to the set pieces. In this league, set plays matter against everyone, and that’s where we handed them the game.”
Despite the recent run of results, Wilmot insisted morale remains intact: “Confidence is fine. Apart from today, the last few games have been tough but the spirit has stayed high. We’ve actually played well in most of them, just been a bit unlucky or made mistakes. Today was the one we let slip.”
On how the squad must respond, he said: “We’ll be honest with each other and move straight onto Wednesday. The quick turnaround helps. We’ll review it, put it right, and make sure it doesn’t happen again.
“This league is tight. Every match is huge and anyone can beat anyone. You have to show up every time, and today we didn’t.”
Asked what Stoke most need to improve, Wilmot was clear: “Based on today, it’s the gritty side of football – the challenges, the headers, the physical battles. We can’t be that soft again.”